Eastern Michigan (power rating: -14.3) carries a 6.3-point edge over Akron (-20.6) on a neutral field per Blue Chip Analytics. Akron's home field (Blue Chip HFA: 1.9) narrows that gap at InfoCision Stadium. See Line Value below.
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Game-time forecast at InfoCision Stadium shows Clear — 70.7°F, Feels Like 61.0°F with winds of 4.5 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. The weather adjustment has been pre-filled in the Line Value Calculator above — adjust manually if conditions change before kick-off.
70.7°F
Noah Kim returns for his second full season as starter, with 2,817 yards, 18 TDs, and 11 INTs last year. He has three of his top four pass-catchers back, including All-MAC tight end Joshua Long and receiver Nick Devereaux. This continuity should give EMU an early-season edge in the passing game, especially against a San José State defense that is unproven in 2026.
Eastern Michigan allowed a league-high 232.1 rushing yards per game last season. The defensive front, led by end Carter Evans and returning Jefferson Adam (missed 2025 with injury), must improve to contain San José State's run game. If the Eagles cannot stop the run, they will be forced into a one-dimensional offensive shootout.
EMU plays at home with a venue HFA of 2.0, but the forecast calls for thundery outbreaks and 18 mph wind. These conditions could disrupt the passing game for both teams, potentially favoring EMU's experienced quarterback and tight end in short-to-intermediate routes, while also testing the Eagles' run defense.
Graduate transfer Braydon Bennett, who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards at Coastal Carolina, takes over as the primary back. His ability to provide a balanced attack will be crucial, especially if weather limits the passing game. Bennett's performance against a San José State front seven will be a key indicator of EMU's offensive versatility.
Safety Bryce Llewellyn (102 tackles, All-MAC) and corner Caleb Coley (full-time starter) lead a deep secondary. Barry Manning can also play safety after starting at linebacker last year. This experienced backline should help EMU handle San José State's passing attack, but the front seven must generate pressure to prevent big plays.
Reese Poffenbarger takes over as starter after productive FCS years at UAlbany (60 passing TDs, 8 rushing TDs in two seasons) but limited FBS experience as a backup. His ability to quickly adapt to Wake Forest's defense will be critical, especially with a veteran supporting cast including RB Jordan Gant (1,032 yards, 2nd-team All-MAC) and WR Marcel Williams (641 yards, All-MAC candidate).
Akron's offensive line returns seven rotational players but lost key production to the transfer portal. Wake Forest's defensive front, even in a rebuilding year, could exploit these gaps. The line's ability to protect Poffenbarger and open lanes for Gant will determine offensive consistency.
Akron's secondary, led by S Rodrick Hunter, CB Terence Thomas, and nickel Aamii Branch, is the defense's strongest unit. They will need to contain Wake Forest's passing attack, especially if the defensive line (Frazier twins, Cyrus Durham) fails to generate pressure. The return of Oregon transfer S Daymon David from injury could be a boost.
Akron travels 348 miles to face Wake Forest in a clear, 57°F game with 8 mph wind. The cool temperature and mild wind are neutral, but the road environment (HFA 2.3) adds challenge for a team that has struggled away from home. Akron must handle crowd noise and early-game jitters.
K Matthew Schramm (12/13 FG, 4/5 from 40+) and P Joseph Castle (42.9 avg) return, providing reliable kicking and punting. In a potentially low-scoring game, field position and field goals could be decisive. PR Sean Patrick adds return threat.
Eastern Michigan travels 138 miles to this game, a short road trip.
Blue Chip Analytics power ratings favour Eastern Michigan (-14.3) over Akron (-20.6) by 6.3 points on a neutral field. Despite playing at home, Akron faces a power rating deficit. Check whether the market spread accounts for this gap. Akron brings a modest home field advantage to this matchup (Blue Chip HFA: 1.9). Add this to the neutral-site differential to arrive at a venue-adjusted line.
Blue Chip Analytics power ratings represent expected point margin against an average FBS opponent on a neutral field, calculated from game data sourced via CollegeFootballData.com (CFBD). They are one input — cross-reference with the travel, rest, and weather data above before drawing conclusions.
Blue Chip Analytics rates Eastern Michigan as the stronger team by 6.3 points on a neutral field; apply HFA and travel context before finalising a line read.
